Classes, Forums & Lecture Series

Reel Theology: 2011 Summer Film Festival

The theme for this series is Sheep or Wolves? Prophets in 5 Films. Each night’s presentation is stand-alone, so you need not attend every session. Gather (if possible bring some light snacks to share) to watch the movie, and have a brief discussion afterward. The Reel Theology offering will be designed to stimulate theological reflection and insights. All are invited!

June 24: Leap of Faith (1992, PG-13, 108 minutes, English)
Traveling faith healer/performer Jonas Nightingale (Steve Martin) knows he fools plenty of people, but discovers that he may have deceived himself more than anyone else.

July 8: The Night of the Hunter (1955, 93 minutes, English)
“What woman having ten pieces of silver, if she lose one piece, doth not light a candle, and sweep the house, and seek diligently till she finds it?” Harry Powell (Robert Mitchum), preacher of love and hate - as tattooed on his knuckles - whole-heartedly pursues his mission in this noir thriller. One family is in his path, and their fates rest in discerning truth from falsehood.

July 22: King of Hearts (1966, 102 minutes, French with English subtitles)
Charles Plumpick (Alan Bates), an ornithologist mistaken for a bomb expert, is sent into a French village to disarm a bomb. There he finds the escaped inhabitants of the insane asylum thriving. But in a time of war, who is sane and who is crazy?

August 5: Wise Blood (1979, PG, 106 minutes, English)
Hazel Motes (Brad Dourif) preaches the Church of Truth and the Church Without Christ. Based on the Flannery O’Connor novel, this film explores truth, discipleship, human depravity, and sight vs. blindness with twisted Southern Gothic humor.

August 21 (Sunday): The Passion of Joan of Arc (1928, 110 minutes, silent)
A work of unparalleled power and raw emotion, this masterpiece depicts the trial of Joan of Arc, the charges against her, and her stalwart yet human faith. Shown in the Nave with an original score by our own Christopher Putnam, this will be a unique, powerful experience.

Intro to All Souls, 2011

New to All Souls? Trying to figure out why people bow in worship or what a collect is or who Rowan Williams might be? Please join Fr. Phil Brochard on Sundays from 9:00-9:45 am in our Common Room for an introduction to life at All Souls Parish. Using our Sunday worship as a lens, we’ll explore everything from the Anglican Communion to what a zimbelstern is.

5/15 Corner of Cedar & Spruce
5/22 The Gathering
5/29 The Word Spoken
6/12 We Believe?...
6/19 Bread & Wine
6/26 What We Do

download the pdf Lent_at_All_Souls_2011.pdf

Moments That Make Us Anglican, 2011

Through the guidance of scholars, theologians and our own bishop we will be exploring our roots as Anglicans and how our past informs our present practice and beliefs. Using the lenses of Scripture, Liturgy, Church & State Relations, Mission and the Episcopacy, over the course of 5 weeks, beginning Wednesday, March 16, we will discover how our common story has shaped our understanding of everything from the embrace of evolution to the nature of “Christian” government, from our Eucharistic orientation to the global implications of local belief. Our simple soup supper will begin in the Parish Hall at 6:30 pm, finishing with Compline by 8:30 pm.

March 16: Interpretation of Scripture ~ Dr. Dan Joslyn-Siemiatkoski, Associate Professor of Church History, Church Divinity School of the Pacific (CDSP)
How has our communal understanding of the interpretation of scripture been formed over time and what impact has that had on our tradition?

March 23: Episcopacy ~ The Rt. Rev. Marc Andrus, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of California
Why are bishops so important for Anglicans? Why are we an Episcopal Church?

March 30: Anglican Mission ~ Dr. Marion Grau, Associate Professor of Theology, CDSP
Mission in the Anglican church has had powerful and sometimes devastating on the world. Given our past and our present understanding, how do we authentically and respectfully share the Good News as we have come to know it?

April 6: Church/State Relations ~ Dr. Bob Bellah,
Professor Emeritus, Univ. of California, author of Habits of the Heart
What relationship has the Anglican and Episcopal Churches shared with England and the United States, respectively? How have these relationships shaped our corporate belief and practice?

April 13: Liturgy in the Anglican Tradition ~ The Rev. Dr. Ruth Meyers, Hodges-Haynes Professor of Liturgics, CDSP
Our liturgies have roots that extend back for centuries. How did this come to be? What difference does this make for us, and how might this help us respond to the needs of followers of Christ today?

Nimble Believing, 2011

Join us for two remarkable evenings as the Rev. Dr. Roger Ferlo, a former professor of English Literature at Yale University, former Rector of St. Luke in the Fields, New York and currently the Director of the Institute for Christian Formation and Leadership at Virginia Theological Seminary will speak on the topic of “Nimble Believing.” Professor Ferlo, the author of both Opening the Bible and Sensing God, will be preaching on Sunday, March 20th at 8 am and 10 am and teaching Sunday March 20th and Monday, March 21st, both from 7-8:30 pm in our Parish Hall.

In Professor Ferlo’s words we will, “explore the implications of Dickinson’s insight of ‘telling it slant’ (which keeps Believing nimble) in the work of four English-speaking poets: George Herbert, Emily Dickinson, W.H. Auden and Rowan Williams. As these writers respond to God’s presence or absence in their lives, their sometimes-troubled eloquence in the face of mystery may help shape (or restore) our own practices of prayer. No prior knowledge of poetry required-just bring an open mind, an open heart, and a ready ear.”

The Nicene Creed, 2010

We (have/do/will) Believe

Nearly 17 centuries ago, Emperor Constantine, tired of the battles between Christians over the nature of Christ and the belief of the Church, convened a council of bishops and others to “settle” the issue. From the Council of Nicea in 325, and ecumenical councils that followed, has come what we commonly know as the “Nicene Creed”––a statement of belief said by millions of Christians from many traditions every week. In November three members of All Souls Parish, who are also professors at CDSP and PSR, will help us explore the history, theology and liturgical impacts of this ancient text. Please join us in the Nave to uncover the heresies dead and alive that this creed encounters, our own belief that this creed engenders and the purpose for this historical document in the 21st century.

Three Sundays in November:
11/7: A Beginning: The Councils and a belief in God
Dr. Dan Joslyn-Siemiatkoski, Professor of Church History, Church Divinity School of the Pacific, Berkeley.

11/14: And a Spirit Makes Three: A belief in the Holy Spirit
The Rev. Dr. Ruth Meyers, Hodges-Haynes Professor of Liturgics, Church Divinity School of the Pacific, Berkeley.

11/21: Human/Divine? A belief in Jesus the Christ
The Rev. Dr. Horace Griffin, Professor of Field Education and Leadership Development, Pacific School of Religion, Berkeley.

Planning for the End of Life, 2010

All Souls Discussion Series
Even at the grave, we make our song

Thinking about the end of our lives is never easy; it can make us squirm, procrastinate and engage in behaviors that may or may not delay the inevitable. The Stewardship Committee asks you to move beyond this discomfort to actively and prayerfully engage in stewardship of all that God has given you. Join in a series of three Sunday forums, with presentations and discussions, where we will explore together some of the spiritual, ethical and practical ways we can prepare to “make our song”.

September 12th, 2010
Creating your Legacy through Planned Giving
The melodies you leave behind
The Rev. Richard Schaper is the Gift Planning Officer for the Episcopal Diocese of California and will be preaching at the 8a and 10a services this Sunday. Fr. Schaper has led many people, from all walks of life, through the decision-making process regarding what do with what we leave behind, helping to ensure that our gifts continue to build up the Body of Christ. After the 10a service he will be leading a workshop in the Parish Hall based on the end of life planning manual entitled, “Exiting with Grace and Forethought.”

September 26th, 2010
Health Care Choices and Directives
The rhythm, tone and tempo for your death
Sarah Oneto, RN, is a hospice nurse for Kaiser Permanente. She will provide a brief historical context for hospice care and its philosophy, an understanding of what hospice care is and is not, and reflections on her experience caring for people who have chosen hospice.
Nate Hinerman, PhD, is a professor of Nursing/Theology and Religious Studies at University of San Francisco. He also is Chair of the San Francisco Bay Area End of Life Network (http://www.sfeol.org) and serves as a therapist on the bereavement service for Pathways Hospice. Dr. Hinerman will continue our discussion of hospice services and palliative care, with an emphasis on the importance of advance care planning and advance care directives. He will walk through one option for advance care planning—the “Five Wishes” form. He will also discuss the Physician’s Order for Life-Sustaining Treatment.

October 3rd, 2010
Liturgical Design and Choices
The words of memory and celebration

Fr. Phil Brochard is the Rector of All Souls Parish and Christopher Putnam is the Associate for Liturgy and Music of All Souls Parish. Together, they will be leading all gathered through the Burial Office, paying particular attention to its theology as witnessed in the prayers, hymns and the structure of the rite itself. We ask all to attend and begin this process of preparing our final wishes for this service of remembrance and celebration. Please come even if you might have done this previously at All Souls, as new planning forms will be available this morning.

“The liturgy for the dead is an Easter liturgy. It finds all its meaning in the resurrection. Because Jesus was raised from the dead, we too, shall be raised.”
—Book of Common Prayer, p. 507

Knowing Yourself: The Enneagram, 2010

Tuesdays, September 14 ~ November 23

The Enneagram is a method for understanding ourselves and others as individuals who share certain distinctive personality characteristics. These characteristics can be sorted into nine separate personality types. Understanding and appreciating your “type” can help you lessen your own suffering and lead to a more positive approach to daily life. This will be a course of discovery and illumination.

Over the ten weeks of the course participants will see how the ancient traditional Christian “sins” and “virtues’ can be understood in a new way for new generations. It is recommended that participants purchase The Enneagram: Understanding Yourself and the Others in Your Life, Helen Palmer, Harper Books,1988, available in bookstores or online from Amazon or AbeBooks. The class is taught by the Rev. James Kirchhoffer, Episcopal priest and therapist who is also a Certified Enneagram Teacher, and will be from 7:30-9:00 pm in the Common Room (enter from Cedar Street door).

Course Progression:
9/14 - Introduction to the model, energy practice and placing of attention
9/21 - Point 3: The Performer: Approval gained from the job
9/28 - Point 6: The Devil’s Advocate: Hidden intentions, yes…but
10/5 - Point 9: The Mediator: Other peoples’ positions
10/12 - Point 1: The Perfectionist: What is right or wrong
10/19 - Point 4: The Tragic Romantic: Best in distance, worst up close
10/26 - Point 2: The Giver: Approval of self by altering for others
11/2 - Point 8: The Boss: Control
11/9 - Point 5: The Observer: What others want from me, detachment
11/16 - Point 7: The Epicure: Pleasant options, the Eternal Elf
11/23 - Summary & Reflections: Walking the Enneagram

Intro to All Souls, 2010

Reel Theology: Summer Friday Film Festival, 2010

Films can communicate many things, including theological messages. All Souls’ Adult Formation Ministry Team is hosting 5 Friday night films this summer on June 25, July 9 and 23, and August 13 and 27, at 7:30 in the Chapel. The Chapel will become for those Friday evenings, All Souls’ “Little Theater.” Folks will gather (if possible bring some light snacks to share), watch the movie, and have a brief discussion afterward.

The theme for this series is redemption, and how redemption of lives, stories, relationships, etc. is conveyed in the various films. Each nights presentation is stand-alone, so you need not attend every session.
The films for this series ( with rating, length, and language if not English) are:
June 25: Gran Torino (R; 116 min)
July 9: Babette’s Feast (NR, but safe for everyone; 102 min; in French with English subtitles)
July 23: Lars & the Real Girl (PG-13; 106 min)
August 13: Slumdog Millionaire (R; 120 min; in English, Hindi and French w/ English subtitles)
August 27: Stranger than Fiction (PG-13; 113 min)

Films will be shown at 7:30 and the facilitated discussion will conclude no later than 10 pm. This Reel Theology offering will be designed to stimulate theological reflection and insights. You are welcome to invite friends who are not part of All Souls to attend with you.

Postcard Stories and the Sacraments, 2010

Seminarian Martin Elfert leads a six week workshop on Tuesday evenings during the Easter season in which participants will use the genre of the Postcard Story to explore their understanding of, and experience with sacraments. The Postcard Story, variously known as Microfiction or Flash Fiction, is a very short story roughly the length that one can fit on a postcard. It is, therefore, possible to read and write several such stories over the course of an evening. You will have the opportunity to read pre-existing postcard stories, to write your own, and to share your stories with others. Through writing and hearing of stories, we will come to an broader understanding of how the Christian tradition has understood the sacraments, and share our own experiences of sacraments within the context of church, home, or work.

Five Steps to the Cross and Easter, 2010

Join us for five Wednesdays in Lent for fellowship, prayer, and inspiring talks. Each session will include dinner from 6:00-6:45 pm (45 min), table Lectio Divina from 6:45-7:15 pm (30 min), the presentation from 7:15-8:00 pm (45 min), Q & A from 8:00-8:15 pm (15 min), and Compline from 8:15-8:30 pm (15 min).

Week 1: February 24, 2010
The Compassion of the Cross: As a Mother Hen Gathers her Brood
The Rev. Dr. Sue Singer. Assistant Professor of Ministry Development, CDSP

Week 2: March 3, 2010
Living in the Midst Suffering: The Fall of the Tower of Siloam
Michael Lemaire & Joseph Delgado, Hospital & Clinic Chaplains

Week 3: March 10, 2010
Forgiveness on the Way: The Parable of the Generous Father
The Rev. Phil Brochard, Rector, All Souls Parish

Week 4: March 17, 2010
Sacrificial Giving: A Pound of Costly Perfume
Richard Felton, Director of Development, Grace Cathedral

Week 5: March 24, 2010
The Walk of the World: The Road of Palms
The Rev. Dr. Ruth Meyers, Hodges-Haynes Professor of Liturgics, CDSP

Lent 2010: Catechumenate Class

You are invited to join the Catechumenate Class facilitated by Betsy Dixon and Blair Reaser this Lent. This class is designed to give participants a safe, comfortable venue in which to consider more formal association with the Church through Baptism, Confirmation, Reception, or Renewal of Baptismal Vows. Parishioners desiring a spiritual exercise during Lent without opting for one of the more traditional rites are also welcome. We will hold an organizing meeting after church on February 7, and the five weekly classes will begin February 28 and conclude on March 28, 6:30-8:30 pm in the Common Room. The course will emphasize spiritual growth, and as tools we will use scrip•ture, rites of the Book of Common Prayer, and other readings and activities. This class complements our introductory series “Episcopal 101” ususally held in the late fall.

Advent Series 2009: What Are We Waiting For?

As we prepare for the Mystery of Christmas, in order to deepen our experience of the season, we will be joined by three teachers for our journey. For the first three Wednesday evenings in Advent, our community practice will involve a simple soup supper, served in the Parish Hall at 6:30 pm, followed by teaching, discussion, and lectio divina, ending by 8:30 pm with night prayer. Each week, renowned scholars will be leading us in discussion of different aspects of our Advent practice and understanding. On December 2nd, Dan Joslyn-Siemiatkoski, Professor of Church History at CDSP, will help us explore the question “What kind of a Messiah were the people of Israel in the 1st century waiting for?” On December 9th, the Rev. Ruth Meyers, the recently appointed Hodges-Haynes Professor of Liturgics at CDSP, will look at the question “Why we do it this way?: How this waiting has been practiced throughout the centuries.” Finally, on December 16th, the Rev. John Kater, Professor Emeritus of Ministry Development at CDSP, will lead us through this question, “How has the coming of the Messiah changed our understanding of humanity?” All are invited!

Health Care Discussions & The Christian Faith: three Sundays in September 2009

Three Sundays, September 13, 20, 27, 9:00 am, in the common room
The current debate on how to reform health care in this country is one of the most important public policy decisions that has been discussed in decades. In order to come to a fuller ability to respond, we are offering a series of health care discussions in the context of the Christian Faith, drawing on a variety of resources, including an intensive course of study by the Episcopal Diocese of East Tennessee. Please join us in the common room on the lower level of the church building for these important discussions around scripture, theology, ethics, and our daily lives. Childcare provided.

Gospel of Matthew: April-June 2009

Monday evenings, April 27 - June 29
7:30 - 9:00 pm, in the chapel (enter on Cedar Street)
Interested in deepening your understanding of the Bible? Come spend some time with the Gospel of Matthew on Monday evenings, 7:30-9:00 pm in the chapel (enter on Cedar Street). Each night we will read a section out loud and then taking a historical/literary approach, explore the themes and theology of the Matthean Community. This is a great opportunity to understand Matthew’s particular take on Jesus Christ. Br. Christopher-Paul Parker, SSF, and Michael Lemaire will facilitate. No prior experience or knowledge required. Come for one class or for all of them as you are able and bring your Bible (if you have one). All welcome!

Lenten Series March 2009

“Deep Into the Night”
Lectio and Exposition
Wednesday Evenings in Lent,
March 4, 11, 18, 25, and April 1. in the All Souls parish hall
Come and join the All Souls community as we explore the hinged moments of salvation history as expressed through the scriptural readings of the Easter Vigil.
The series begins on Wednesday March 4th and continues on subsequent Wednesdays through April 1st.
The program will begin with a light meal of soup and bread at 6:30 pm and will end at 8:30 pm with a brief compline prayer.